Most senators want to become governors

WITH barely 18 months to the 2017 General Election, a large number of senators plan to wrest power from incumbent governors.

The opportunity to control billions of shillings in the counties is said to the reason why 15 of 47 elected senators have declared their interest in the powerful positions.

Several legislators have rolled out strategies, among them going back to school, as part of their preparations to challenge incumbent governors next year.

In Nairobi, reports indicate Senator Mike Sonko, though he has not declared it publicly, is gearing up for a battle with Governor Evans Kidero.

The flamboyant senator has not only recently graduated with a degree from the Kenya Methodist University, but in recent months has also initiated an anti-corruption campaign against the City county government.

Unhappy with how the Senate is at times disregarded by the National Assembly, and the public perception that it is a House of retirees, senators James Orengo, Anyang' Nyong'o, Chris Obure and Kennedy Mong'are have indicated they will be shifting their political battles to the counties.

Orengo, Nyong'o and Obure are expected to run in Siaya, Kisumu and Kisii, respectively, while Mong'are will run for Nyamira county.

In Mombasa county, Senator Hassan Omar is flexing his muscle to unseat Governor Hassan Ali Joho, come 2017.

Former Tourism Cabinet Secretary and current Senator for Taita Taveta Dan Mwazo is also said to be keen to challenge Governor John Mruttu.

In the Kirinyaga and Meru counties, a titanic political battle is shaping up between Senate deputy speaker Kembi Gitura and Governor Mwangi Wairia and Senator Kiraitu Murungi and Governor Peter Munya, respectively.

In Vihiga, lawmaker Yusuf Chanzu has announced he will throw his hat in the ring against the incumbent Moses Akaranga, while in neighbouring Kakamega, Senator Boni Khalwale has set his sights on unseating Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

In Nakuru, Senator James Mungai is positioning himself to unseat Governor Kinuthia Mbugua, while his Nandi counterpart Stephen Sang is said to be keen to wrest power from Cleopha Lagat.

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo and his immediate neighbour Turkana Senator John Munyes are warming up to battle it out with incumbent governors Simion Kachapin and Josephat Nanok respectively.

In Nyeri, Senator Mutahi Kagwe has hinted he intends to succeed current Governor Nderitu Gachagwa, while his Nyandarua counterpart Karue Muriuki is reportedly eying unseating Governor Daniel Waithaka.

Source